By Kameron Reitan, Prevention Coordinator
Did you know that breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer? In fact, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. This disease is caused by the growth of abnormal cells that can spread to the rest of your body. October is dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, and all of us at Tanana Chiefs Conference want to provide you with information that could save your life!
Early Detection
Early detection is the best way to increase the chances of survival. The 5-year relative survival rate is 99% when abnormal cells remain localized! The most effective method for early detection is getting regular mammograms. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and can detect breast cancer three years before an individual can feel the symptoms! At TCC, we follow the American Cancer Society breast cancer screening guidelines:
- If you are a woman age 45-54, talk with your doctor about getting a mammogram every year.
- If you are a woman age 55 and older, talk with your doctor about every other year.
- Women may choose to start screening annually at 40, especially if there is a family history or other risk factors.
You can also detect breast cancer by getting clinical and self-breast exams to detect lumps or changes in your breast. While these methods help detect breast cancer, they have not been proven to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.
Know the Symptoms
Symptoms are different from person to person; some don’t have symptoms at all! Warning signs of breast cancer can include:
- Change in the size or shape of the breast
- Pain in any area of the breast
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood)
- A new lump in the breast or underarm
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
These symptoms could happen without cancer. If you are experiencing any of these, talk to your local healthcare provider right away.
Who Is At Risk
- Women 50+ years old
- Women with a personal history of non-cancerous breast diseases
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Previous treatment using radiation therapy
- Exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) – a medication given to women from 1940-1971 to prevent miscarriages
- Having dense breasts
- Genetic mutations
- Starting menstrual periods before age 12 and starting menopause after 55, which exposes women to hormones longer and raises the risk of developing breast cancer
Reducing The Risk
- Keep a healthy weight
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Limit alcohol to one drink per day or cease all alcohol consumption
